April 24: Global appeal to abolish animal testing
100 to 300 million animals die in animal testing worldwide every year. In the US state of Minnesota, activists attempted to free dogs from a breeding facility. More here.
A women’s dynasty in slave-era Creole Louisiana
March 8th is International Women’s Day. The Laura Plantation near New Orleans, named after its last owner, offers guided tours based on historical documents and the memoirs of Laura Locoul Gore. More here.
A plea bargain could spare the perpetrator prison time.
Two years ago, Cody Roberts from Wyoming tortured and killed a young wolf. On March 9, he was due to appear in court to answer charges of animal cruelty. He now agreed to plea guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence. More here.
From Las Vegas, Nevada, to Utah – via Arizona
From Las Vegas, I’m continuing my journey to St. George, Utah, by minibus shuttle. The route takes us through the Virgin River Gorge, which is considered one of the most scenic drives in the USA. It’s located neither in Nevada nor in Utah – but in Arizona. More here.
Wild West revived in an old gold mining town
Before I leave Las Vegas, I drive to neighboring Arizona, to Oatman, famous for its wild donkeys. Because of them, crowds of people are drawn to this remote desert area. A legendary revolver duel also takes place. More here.
Impressions away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip
The neighborhood where I’m staying for a week in Las Vegas is considered “historic.” Founded in 1947, the houses are ranch-style bungalows. Although it’s only 15 minutes drive to the city center and the Strip, it’s quiet and has a small-town feel. More here.
Valley of Fire, a Saturday night and Sunday at the casino
I also came to the “entertainment capital of the world” to see it at least once – and to try my luck at a slot machine. The area also offers spectacular landscapes. More here.
Las Vegas confronts me with a sad memory.
Oversized hotels, bombastic shows and casinos that always win in the end. An art world in the middle of the desert. I came here to see an old friend from Germany and to look after two small dogs. More here.
125th birthday of biophysicist Mária Telkes
Born on December 12, 1900, in Budapest, Mária Telkes became famous in the USA as the “Sun Queen.” During World War II, she developed a portable solar distiller and in 1948, she designed one of the first solar-heated houses. More here.
50 years ago, the indigenous activist was murdered.
Anna Mae Aquash was kidnapped, interrogated, and ultimately executed because she was accused to be a FBI informant. To this day, her family demands answers about those behind her murder. The streaming service Hulu is showing a documentary series about her story. More here.